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chaff

[chaf, chahf] / tʃæf, tʃɑf /




Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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But as long-range drones get larger and carry heavier payloads, chaff is becoming more attractive as a low-cost way to confuse radar defense systems.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026

They also reportedly have dispensers for chaff -- metal shavings that distract radar-guided missiles -- and flares that blind heat-seeking missiles.

From Barron's ● Jul. 10, 2026

“The larger world, if it doesn’t directly impact the day-to-day,” she told me, “becomes chaff that you kind of block out because you’re so focused on trying to survive this crucible that you’re in.”

From Slate ● Jun. 24, 2026

It's more about whether you actually believe in something — and boy, oh boy, has the wheat been separated from the chaff in that respect.

From Salon ● Apr. 20, 2025

Together we have made pallets of cane chaff and leaves.

From "Taste of Salt: A Story of Modern Haiti" by Frances Temple

“One American can relish hugely the entertainment afforded when one quizzical Englishman chaffs his shy, ineloquent countrymen without expecting all other Americans to shake with laughter at the same spectacle,” Woollcott wrote.

From New York Times ● Oct. 9, 2014

He snarls as well as chaffs at a world with the gout.

From Time Magazine Archive

You get into a rage if any one chaffs you.

From Three Dramas by R. Farquharson (Robert Farquharson) Sharp

Whereupon one of them, a handsome chap in a soft hat, leans his elbows squarely on the table in front of him, wags his head saucily and openly chaffs the solemn regulator.

From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science Volume 15, No. 90, June, 1875 by Various

Sunday school, Church-going, prayers given up because Jem chaffs so about them. 

From Boys their Work and Influence by Anonymous

“A scandal with all the potential ramifications of Watergate, but where everyone involved is stupid and bad at everything,” Oliver chaffed on his weekly late-night satirical show.

From Washington Times ● May 1, 2023

These are a godsend for my inner thighs on long, sweaty summer runs, when they otherwise become a red chaffed mess.

From Slate ● Jul. 22, 2019

Congress stepped forward with enormous aid packages in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Superstorm Sandy in 2012, though some GOP conservatives — including then-Indiana Rep. Pence — chaffed at the price tag.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 28, 2017

Backstrom chaffed at Presidents' Trophy talk late last season after winning it in 2009 preceded a first-round exit.

From US News ● Oct. 3, 2016

Bobby chaffed her about the curate, affecting to believe she had suffered a disappointment.

From Imprudence by F.E. Mills Young

It causes less chaffing than other bras I’ve owned, too.

From Slate ● Jul. 22, 2019

And it works very well to help prevent chaffing, too.

From Slate ● Jun. 8, 2019

I walked and ran through the heat of my chaffing toes and the cold of my shredded heels.

From Salon ● Jun. 9, 2018

At one point Mr Fucarile stops the interview - his new prosthetic leg is chaffing, and he is beginning to blister.

From BBC ● Apr. 15, 2014

Rondon kept his temper under control but made the chaffing remark, “Well, you have had a splendid bath, eh?”

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple


Vocabulary lists containing chaff

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